The Canadian National Softball Team claimed a Gold medal at the Pan American Games after beating the United States 4-2 in an extra inning game. The game went 7 scoreless innings for the U.S. and Canada, with both teams bringing out the best in each other. Then the Canadian team broke out with a 4 run lead in the 8th inning. The U.S. came back with 2 runs, but it wasn't enough to overcome the 4 runs made by the Canadians in the top of the inning. This exciting game means a lot to head Principia College softball coach,
Ken Leavoy, who is one of the assistant coaches for the Canadian National team! Leavoy has worked hard each summer to assist the team in whatever way they need. Many times he is asked to help with the tryouts for the National team and the Junior National team and to coach for the rest of the season. One of his strengths is in being able to provide the National Team with a detailed scouting report on their opponents when they go to these tournaments. This year, coach Leavoy helped with the tryouts, coached during training sessions, scouted during tournaments and also edited video for the video analysis sessions for each player.
The Gold medal for the Canadians broke the United States' streak of seven consecutive Gold medals at the Pan American Games. The Canadian National team has done well this summer with some ups and downs but overall doing well, placing 4th at the U.S. World Cup of Softball and also taking home a Bronze medal at the Canadian Open.
Coach Leavoy talks about how their season seemed to build up to this tremendous game against the U.S. in the finals of the Pan American Games. He comments, "I'm just so proud of the girls- they played so well when it really mattered in this high pressure situation. This was the best all around game this year...the perfect day for the team. It was exciting for us coaches to see them all put it on the line like that."
To follow the Canadian National Team,
click here to visit their website.
Leavoy is an excellent coach with a thoughful approach to everything and we are so grateful that he chooses to coach at Principia College!
